epispadias

This is a congenital malformation of the penis in which the opening (meatus) is located on the top (dorsal) surface of the penile shaft anywhere from the glans (the knob at the end) to the junction of the penis and the pubis. There is incomplete formation of the foreskin and the shaft is upwardly curved. If the condition is severe (the urinary opening is close to the body), reconstructive surgery is advised in the newborn period because the next of the bladder may be involved and the child may have complete urinary incontinence. It is quite rare - 1 in 120,000 male births. A pediatric urologist should be consulted in any case of epispadias. See also hypospadias.